If you or a loved one experiences more than two weeks of depressed mood, extreme fatigue, and feelings of guilt after having your baby, you aren’t alone. It’s normal to experience the “baby blues” for the first two weeks after having a baby. However, symptoms that persist for longer than two weeks are signs of postpartum depression (PPD), a serious but treatable mental illness.

Postpartum depression can be an isolating and stigmatizing experience, partly because there are so many myths about this condition. Licensed mental health professionals like Amy Eisenberg — a licensed clinical professional counselor with Perinatal Mental Health Certification — are here to help you through this experience. Amy Eisenberg leads pregnancy, postpartum, and loss groups with the organization Beyond the Baby Blues in Evanston, Illinois. She also has a private practice where she works with new mothers and couples navigating the perinatal experience.

In this article, we bust some of the myths about postpartum depression and provide you with nine important facts to know about this common condition.

1. Fact: Dads, Partners of All Genders, and Adoptive Parents Can Experience PPD

Traditionally, studies of postpartum depression have focused on mothers who give birth, but PPD isn’t limited to this group. Birthing parents who identify as transgender or nonbinary can also experience PPD. However, according to a recent review article published in the International Journal of Transgender Health, there is a lack of research on PPD in these populations.

Not only can the person who delivers the baby develop PPD, but mental health conditions in the postpartum period can also affect all non-birthing parents, including fathers, non-birthing mothers, and adoptive parents. An estimated 1 in 10 dads, compared to 1 in 7 moms, experiences PPD.

2. Fact: PPD Doesn’t Only Happen Right After Birth

The perinatal period includes the first year after delivery. “A big myth is that PPD only happens right after [birth],” Eisenberg said. “A lot of times I’ll have women contact me four months after ... and they won’t consider that they might have postpartum depression because they feel like the timeframe is over.”

“Diagnostically, [PPD] is considered any time within the first year,” explained Eisenberg. While PPD usually begins within four weeks of giving birth, it can begin as late as 30 weeks postpartum. If you’re experiencing symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, concentration difficulties, or if you get crying spells a few weeks or months after having a baby, talk about postpartum depression with your OB-GYN, midwife, or primary care provider, or with your child’s pediatrician.

3. Fact: Not Everyone Falls in Love With Their Baby Right Away

One of the most common PPD misconceptions is that bonding with your baby is supposed to be natural and immediate. “One big myth is that when you meet your baby, you’re going to fall in love with your baby,” Eisenberg explained. “A lot of times, it takes time.” Being pregnant and giving birth can be a traumatizing experience in some situations, and having a newborn in the home can add major stress to one’s life. Any number of problems can cause difficulty connecting with your baby, so if you’re not connecting with your baby right away, you’re not alone.

4. Fact: PPD Can Happen to Anyone, Though There Are Certain Risk Factors

PPD is the most common complication of pregnancy. “While there are things that might increase your risk for postpartum depression, women of all different socioeconomic backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and all backgrounds experience postpartum depression,” Eisenberg explains.

People who are at the greatest risk for PPD include those who have:

• A history of depression, including postpartum depression in a previous pregnancy
• A history of experiencing physical or sexual abuse
• Major stressors in their life, such as unemployment, teenage pregnancy, or no partner to help with parenting responsibilities
• Diabetes (including preexisting or gestational diabetes)
• A complicated pregnancy or childbirth experience
• Issues with alcohol, drugs, or tobacco

According to a 2023 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the rate of PPD in different racial and ethnic backgrounds is:

• 22.0 percent among Black mothers
• 21.8 percent among white mothers
• 18.8 percent among Hispanic mothers
• 13.8 percent among Asian or Pacific Islander mothers

A different study published in Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy found that 35.6 percent of non-birthing sexual minority women experienced symptoms of postpartum depression.

However, no matter your background, health status, or social situation, there is still a risk of developing postpartum depression.

5. Fact: You Can Have PPD Even if You Had Fertility Challenges

There’s a common misunderstanding that people who have a baby after fertility challenges are at a lower risk of developing PPD. Eisenberg says that this isn’t true.

“I think when people have fertility issues like IVF [in vitro fertilization] and then they end up having that baby, there’s this myth that you tried so hard that you should only feel happy and appreciative to have that baby.”

In one study of people who had undergone IVF, 34.4 percent had postpartum depression, higher than the national average.

6. Fact: You’re a Good Parent Even if You Don’t Do Everything You See on Social Media

Eisenberg noted that many mothers compare themselves to posts on social media, and this can lead to feelings of inadequacy. “There’s a lot of milestones that are being documented on social media for babies, for infants and toddlers, and women end up almost being hyper aware and hypersensitive to their children not meeting those milestones.”

Parents on social media mostly post the highlights of their day, sharing activities like reading, playing, and going on excursions with their children. Viewing these photos or videos, especially during a depressive episode, “can decrease feelings of self-worth, and it can make you feel like you’re just not good enough,” Eisenberg explained.

“So what I really like to tell my patients is ... you’re actually doing your baby a service by just letting your child have space to observe light and look at the shadows on the walls, and that kids don’t need as much.”

Speaking to a healthcare provider like Eisenberg or going to a support group for other new parents can help you reduce some feelings of guilt and anxiety associated with these societal pressures.

7. Fact: You Are a Good Parent Even if You Experience PPD or Another Mood Disorder

Eisenberg wants you to know that experiencing a postpartum mental health condition doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent. Feelings of guilt and worthlessness, and even fear that you’re not a good mother, are some of the most common symptoms of postpartum depression, according to Mayo Clinic.

Eisenberg explained that a key part of her role as a therapist is helping mothers see that they’re good enough: “Oftentimes, when a mother walks in and she’s told that she isn’t a bad mother, that she’s a good mother, and that motherhood will not always feel this way, but that she’s experiencing depression or anxiety, that in itself can be very therapeutic.”

Even if you have intrusive thoughts about hurting your baby, it doesn’t mean you’re a bad mother. These thoughts can be terrifying for new moms, and it may feel like you can’t tell anyone about what’s going through your head. These thoughts are extremely common and, in most cases, come with no increased risk of actual acts of violence.

“As a therapist, my goal is to let the mom know that she is enough for her baby, and no matter what the interventions are, no matter if she needs to go on medication or if she needs to go to a day program, whatever she needs, she is a good enough mother. She’s a wonderful mom. It’s just moving through the mood disorder,” Eisenberg said.

8. Fact: You Don’t Have To Deal With PPD Alone

Many people think they can overcome the symptoms of PPD by waiting it out, and many are embarrassed to speak up. “They don’t want to identify it because they think if they do, they’ll feel like they’re failing as a mother.”

While some people can overcome PPD without treatment, “oftentimes, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders stay or shift into major depression past the postpartum stage if [they’re] not treated.”

Eisenberg encouraged new parents to seek treatment. “You don’t have to white-knuckle it,” she said. “You’re an amazing mom because you’re getting help for it. You’re identifying it and you’re doing what’s best for the baby and for you.” Seeking medical advice from your OB-GYN or midwife, primary care doctor, or child’s pediatrician is a great place to start.

9. Fact: Many Medications for PPD Are Compatible With Breastfeeding

Postpartum depression is often treated with a combination of talk therapy (psychotherapy) and medication. “You definitely can get through it faster if you have a therapist and even a support group,” said Eisenberg. “And medication, too, can be very helpful.”

Eisenberg shared that many of her patients who are breastfeeding often worry about medication passing to their infant. “A lot of medications [used to treat PPD] are compatible with breastfeeding, so it’s really important to see a perinatal psychiatrist and talk through the risks versus the benefits.” Working with a psychiatrist can help you determine the treatment options that are right for you and monitor your and your baby’s health after starting treatment.

Find Your Team

MyDepressionTeam is the social network for people living with all types of depression, including postpartum depression, and their loved ones. Members come together to ask questions, offer support and advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with PPD.

Did you know about the risk factors for postpartum depression before your baby was born? Do you have any advice for others managing these risks? Share your experience, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.